Missouri's governor race has already seen the most ad spending of any race in America, and the U.S. Senate race between Roy Blunt and Jason Kander has been very competitive. But even though those races have gotten the lion's share of political coverage, initiatives and measures on the ballot in Missouri also could have big impacts.
KCUR has spent a lot of time in collaboration with other public radio stations to cover these measures and amendments. Here is a selection of our coverage that will help you cast an informed vote on Nov. 8.
This amendment asks Missouri voters whether the state should continue for 10 years a one-tenth of one percent sales tax to be used for soil and water conservation. If the tax is not renewed, conservation projects by the Department of Natural Resources would essentially be totally defunded.
The tax took in more than $88 million during fiscal year 2015, and about half of the revenue goes to Missouri state parks. Several groups support voting "yes" to the amendment, including the Missouri Farm Bureau. There is no major opposition to the amendment.
This amendment would establish campaign contribution limits of $2,600 to individual candidates in state and judicial offices and $25,000 to political parties in any given election. The amendment has support from Gov. Jay Nixon, U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill, Democratic gubernatorial candidate Chris Koster and the League of Women Voters of Missouri, among others.
It is opposed by Republican gubernatorial candidate Eric Greitens and Legends Bank, among others.
Constitutional Amendment 3 and Proposition A
Amendment 3 seeks to raise cigarette taxes from 17 cents per pack to 60 cents over the next four years. Revenue generated would go to a new early childhood education fund. Proposition A would raise cigarette taxes to 23 cents by 2021, with revenue going toward infrastructure projects.
Amendment 3 is supported by Big Tobacco companies, while Prop. A is supported by Little Tobacco companies. Groups like Tobacco Free Missouri, the Health Care Foundation of Greater Kansas City and Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids have all come out in opposition to the tax increases.
This amendment would ban state and local taxes on any services that are not already similarly taxed as of January 2015. Many state organizations, such as the Home Builders Association of Greater Kansas City, the Missouri Grocers Association and Missourians for Fair Taxation support the ban.
Opponents to the amendment include the Missouri Municipal League Board of Directors.
This amendment would require Missouri voters to verify their identity with a government-issued photo ID at their polling places. Republican gubernatorial candidate Eric Greitens, Republican secretary of state candidate Jay Ashcroft and many other state legislators support the amendment.
Gov. Jay Nixon, Democratic gubernatorial candidate Chris Koster, the Missouri NAACP and many other organizations oppose the amendment.
Cody Newill is the digital editor for KCUR 89.3 and co-host of Question Quest. Follow him on Twitter @CodyNewill.
Correction: This story originally stated that the League of Women Voters of Missouri opposed Constitutional Amendment 2. The group supports the amendment. The text has been updated to accurately state their support.
